Thanksgiving Mass in the Oratory of St. John’s Co-Cathedral
To celebrate His Eminence Prospero, Cardinal Grech, admission into the Order as Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion
In a ceremony held on Monday, 12 November 2012, in the Magisterial Chapel, Via Condotti, Rome, the only Maltese Cardinal, His Eminence Cardinal Prospero Grech, was awarded the Dignity and Rank of Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion by H.E. the Grand Commander the Venerable Bailiff Fra’ Carlo d’Ippolito di Sant’ Ippolito. Naturally, this followed a special request made by Maltese Association Council, which was immediately accepted by the Sovereign Council.
Sunday, 25th November 2012, was indeed a memorable day for Maltese Association. It had been decided to celebrate this privilege of having a Cardinal as one of the members of the Maltese Association. The most fitting way was holding a thanksgiving Mass in the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral. The main celebrant was, of course, His Eminence Prospero, Cardinal Grech. It was also a great privilege to have His Grace Archbishop Paul Cremona, His Grace Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, and His Lordship Bishop Charles Scicluna and several other Reverend Clergy concelebrate the Mass.
Cardinal Grech spoke highly of the aims and works of the Order Of Malta and augured that he will live up to these ideals.
After Holy Mass a reception was held at Casa Lanfreducci where the guests and members enjoyed speaking to Cardinal Grech, who, blessed with energy, was almost the last to leave.
